Dothan, Alabama (WTVY) -- For over a month now, a scarecrow-like figure resembling President Obama holding a sign has been displayed outside of one Dale County, Alabama residence.

"Before Halloween, it was in late October, I had heard that it was hanging from a tree in effigy," an anonymous neighbor told CBS affilliate WTVY. "Other neighbors had complained about it."

On Thursday, the neighbor's concerns grew when he saw the figure was now holding a sign reading, "Pray 4 Assassin."

"Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican is not the issue and whether you like the president or don't like the president it's really not the issue," the neighbor says. "The issue is really respect for other people. This kind of behavior to me is just unacceptable and I think the people have a right to respond to it. And I decided that I could actually take action as well and voice my opinion."

After this unidentified man spoke out against the hate message, the Dale County Sheriff's Office became involved.

"Contact was made by my investigators with the federal authorities," says Sheriff Wally Olson. "They are going to send somebody down here to talk to us about the situation."

As a result, the figure has now been taken down and an investigation is underway.